Choosing the right course for your career
DECIDING to further your studies after establishing a career can be challenging. The time and costs have to be taken into consideration. If you feel like it is time to move forward in your career, choosing the right course to enhance your skills is important. Here are a few tips that can help you get right on track.
Follow the tips below to help you choose the right course to enhance your skills, not to mention also impressing your present – or even future – employers and boosting your career prospects.
Check the current job market
You need to do some research to ensure the course you are planning to take will help in your career progression. Get a list of eligibility requirements when you already have a specific role you are aiming for. For instance, what are the essential qualifications and skills that are highly regarded for the role that recruiters are looking for?
Checking out the job description of the role you are aiming for is a good start. This may help you to get a clearer idea.
Get the right help
If you want to secure a certain position, it is advisable to start talking to the relevant individuals within your professional network. Get their advice on the skills you would need to gain in order to be a strong candidate.
Get insights from those who are already working in that role or ones similar to it. They may be able to tell you which courses they have attended that were beneficial to them and would help you immensely in the role.
Moreover, you can always get in touch with employers or recruiters to ask them about the qualifications you need to possess to be the best candidate for the job. More often than not, recruiters are open to connecting and networking with people so you may learn a lot about the industry just by having constructive conversations with them.
Go with reputable institutions
Yes, you may already have a qualification – but to keep the skills relevant in this day and age, you might need to take a short course to improve them. The important task is to choose an accredited course from reputable educational institutions.
As there are many courses available
from various colleges and universities, you may opt to simply choose one that suits your budget the best; however, that may not exactly be the right approach for you.
Enrolling into a course from a well-known educational institution is an advantage as certain institutions specialise in different subjects that you may be aiming to take, while there are others that provide their students with good facilities. The key here is to choose an institution with a credible reputation and programmes that match your priorities. Being accredited by a notable institution is also an extra advantage on your resume.
Understand what you’re getting yourself into
No matter what course you choose, make sure you know what it will include. Research what the course is all about and what the entry requirements would be. Choose a course that not only makes you excited, but also helps you progress in your career.
For instance, there are courses offering executive diplomas that suit individuals with qualifications who would like to upskill or become a specialist in various subjects. There may not be many universities offering these kinds of courses, so it is advisable for you to do your research properly. A graduate diploma or postgraduate degree is also worth considering.
Do ask about how you will be assessed throughout the whole course. Will it be pure coursework or does it require you to sit for an exam? It is an important aspect to consider because ideally, you should find a course with an assessment structure that matches with your work and family commitments. For instance, if you feel that you would be facing time constraints daily, a part-time online course – where all the assessments are to be submitted online – would be an ideal choice.
The key here is to choose an institution with a credible reputation and programmes that match your priorities. Being accredited by a notable institution is also an advantage on your resume.